Ezekiel 4:17

KJV

That they may want bread and water, and be astonied one with another, and consume away for their iniquity.

KJV (with Strong's)

That they may want {H2637} bread {H3899} and water {H4325}, and be astonied {H8074} one {H376} with another {H251}, and consume away {H4743} for their iniquity {H5771}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Finally, due to lack of bread and water, they will stare at each other in shock, wasting away because of their guilt."

Berean Standard Bible

So they will lack food and water; they will be appalled at the sight of one another wasting away in their iniquity.

American Standard Version

that they may want bread and water, and be dismayed one with another, and pine away in their iniquity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 4:17 serves as the grim culmination of a series of prophetic actions, vividly depicting the severe famine and psychological distress that would befall Jerusalem during its impending siege by the Babylonians. The verse portrays a people utterly deprived of basic sustenance, consumed by despair and physical decay, directly attributing their suffering to their persistent iniquity against God. It underscores the profound and devastating consequences of covenant unfaithfulness, demonstrating God's unwavering justice in holding His people accountable for their rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 4:17 concludes a powerful and vivid prophetic act commanded by God to the prophet Ezekiel. Chapters 4 and 5 describe a series of symbolic actions performed by Ezekiel to illustrate the coming siege, suffering, and destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its inhabitants. Specifically, this verse is the culmination of the prophecy regarding the severe famine that would plague the city during the siege. Ezekiel was instructed to ration his food and water strictly, lying on his side for a prolonged period, symbolizing the duration of the siege and the desperate scarcity the people of Judah would experience. The divine declaration to "break the staff of bread" in [Ezekiel 4:16](/ezekiel/4-16 "Ezekiel 4:16 - The Breaking of the Staff of Bread") directly precedes and sets the stage for the dire conditions described in verse 17, emphasizing the complete removal of divine provision and the resultant widespread starvation. This verse brings to a horrifying climax the symbolic actions, transitioning from the prophetic sign to its devastating reality.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical context points to the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, which occurred from 588-586 BC, eventually leading to the city's fall and the exile of its people. Famine was a common and devastating consequence of ancient sieges, as besieging armies would cut off all supplies to starve the inhabitants into submission, often for years. The conditions described in Ezekiel 4:17—extreme hunger, thirst, and the resulting physical and psychological deterioration—were a grim reality for those trapped within the city walls, a tactic designed to break the will of the besieged. This prophecy aligns with other historical accounts and prophetic warnings of the period, such as those found in [Jeremiah 52:6](/jeremiah/52-6 "Jeremiah 52:6 - Famine During Jerusalem's Siege"), which explicitly mentions the severity of the famine during the final siege, confirming the literal fulfillment of Ezekiel's dire predictions.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, where the dire conditions are presented as a direct, just consequence of Judah's persistent idolatry, rebellion, and covenant violations. This highlights God's unwavering justice and holiness, emphasizing that He holds His people accountable for their actions, as seen throughout the warnings in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Covenant Obedience and Disobedience"). Another key theme is the **Consequences of Iniquity**, explicitly stated as the cause of their suffering, reinforcing the biblical truth that sin has devastating, tangible repercussions, both individually and nationally. The **Sovereignty of God** is also evident, as He orchestrates these events to bring about His purposes, even through the actions of foreign empires. Furthermore, the theme of **Despair and Desolation** is vividly portrayed, underscoring the profound physical and psychological toll of their suffering, a stark picture of a people utterly broken by their circumstances, as also described in the lamentations of [Lamentations 2:19](/lamentations/2-19 "Lamentations 2:19 - Pour Out Your Heart Like Water").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **want (Hebrew, _châçêr'_):** From the primitive root H2637, meaning "to lack; by implication, to fail, want, lessen." This word conveys a severe and absolute deprivation, not merely a desire for something, but a complete absence or insufficiency. In the context of "bread and water," it signifies a life-threatening scarcity, where basic necessities for survival are entirely withheld, leading to a state of desperate need and impending death.
* **astonied (Hebrew, _shâmêm'_):** From the primitive root H8074, meaning "to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e. devastate or (figuratively) stupefy." This goes beyond simple surprise or shock. It denotes a profound state of horror, bewilderment, and desolation, where individuals are utterly appalled and numb with dread in the face of overwhelming calamity and the misery of those around them. It speaks to a deep psychological and emotional breakdown, a paralyzing terror that strips away all hope and comfort.
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** From H5771, meaning "perversity, i.e. (moral) evil; fault, iniquity, mischief, punishment (of iniquity), sin." This term is crucial as it identifies the root cause of the suffering. It encompasses not only the act of sin itself—the bending or twisting of God's law—but also the guilt incurred and the just punishment or consequence that follows. The suffering described is thus presented as a direct, righteous recompense for their moral and spiritual failings before God, emphasizing His justice in addressing their persistent rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That they may want bread and water":** This clause directly describes the physical privation that would be experienced by the inhabitants of Jerusalem. It highlights the complete and dire absence of the most fundamental elements for human survival. This is not just scarcity but a desperate, life-threatening lack, implying starvation and dehydration that would lead to extreme suffering, physical deterioration, and ultimately, death. It paints a picture of utter destitution.
* **"and be astonied one with another":** This phrase paints a picture of profound psychological and social disintegration. The suffering would be so overwhelming and pervasive that people would be utterly bewildered, shocked, and desolated by their own plight and the shared misery of their community. It suggests a state of numb horror, where individuals are too overwhelmed to offer comfort or even acknowledge the suffering of others in a meaningful way, each consumed by their own astonishment and despair, leading to a breakdown of communal bonds.
* **"and consume away for their iniquity":** This final clause explicitly states the ultimate outcome and the divine rationale behind the suffering. "Consume away" denotes a process of physical deterioration, wasting, and pining away, leading to death, directly resulting from the lack of sustenance. Crucially, this physical decay is presented as a direct consequence, or "punishment," for their "iniquity" (moral evil, sin, and guilt). It underscores the principle of divine justice, where the consequences for persistent rebellion against God's covenant are severe and inescapable, demonstrating that sin carries a heavy, destructive cost.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 4:17 powerfully employs **Vivid Imagery** to convey the horrific reality of the siege. The phrases "want bread and water," "be astonied," and "consume away" paint a stark, visceral picture of physical and psychological torment, allowing the reader to almost feel the desperation of the besieged. This imagery is designed to evoke a strong emotional response, emphasizing the severity and inevitability of the impending judgment. The verse also utilizes **Cause and Effect**, explicitly linking the suffering ("want bread and water," "be astonied," "consume away") to its direct cause: "for their iniquity." This clear causal relationship reinforces the theological message that their plight is not random misfortune but a just and deserved consequence of their rebellion against God. Furthermore, there is an element of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, as Ezekiel's earlier symbolic actions of rationing food and water become a living parable, the grim reality of which is described in this verse. The physical famine symbolizes the spiritual emptiness and desolation that results from turning away from God, the ultimate source of life and sustenance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 4:17 stands as a stark testament to the biblical principle that sin carries severe, tangible consequences, both individually and corporately. It underscores God's unwavering justice and holiness, demonstrating that He will not tolerate persistent rebellion and idolatry among His covenant people. The famine and desolation described are not arbitrary acts of cruelty but a righteous judgment, a direct outworking of the curses outlined in the Mosaic Covenant for disobedience. This serves as a powerful reminder that true life and flourishing are found in faithful adherence to God's commands, and turning away from Him leads inevitably to a spiritual and often physical "famine." The physical suffering depicted is a mirror of the spiritual barrenness that results from rejecting the living God, highlighting that the ultimate "want" is a lack of God Himself.

* [Deuteronomy 28:48](/deuteronomy/28-48 "Deuteronomy 28:48 - Curses for Disobedience, Including Famine")
* [Lamentations 4:9](/lamentations/4-9 "Lamentations 4:9 - Suffering Worse Than Sword")
* [Jeremiah 14:12](/jeremiah/14-12 "Jeremiah 14:12 - God's Refusal to Hear, and Judgment by Famine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 4:17, while describing a specific historical judgment, carries profound timeless lessons for all believers. It challenges us to confront the reality that persistent spiritual disobedience, much like the iniquity of ancient Judah, can lead to a profound sense of "want" and "astonishment" in our lives. When we neglect spiritual nourishment—the Word of God, prayer, fellowship, and obedience—we risk experiencing a spiritual famine, leaving us feeling empty, disoriented, and "consumed away" by anxieties, despair, or the fleeting pursuits of the world. This verse calls us to a deep self-examination: are there areas of our lives where we are living in "iniquity," knowingly or unknowingly rebelling against God's ways? It reminds us that our true sustenance comes not from earthly provisions alone, but from a vibrant, obedient relationship with God, who alone can satisfy the deepest longings of our souls. It urges us to prioritize spiritual health, to repent swiftly when we stray, and to continually seek the "bread of life" and "living water" that God freely offers, lest we find ourselves spiritually parched and consumed by the consequences of our own choices. This passage serves as a sobering warning and a powerful call to spiritual vigilance and faithful communion with our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might spiritual "famine" manifest in my life or in the church today, even without literal starvation?**
* **How does my understanding of God's justice in Ezekiel 4:17 shape my view of His love and mercy?**
* **What "iniquities" (sins, moral failings, unfaithfulness) in my life or community might be leading to a sense of "consuming away" or spiritual emptiness?**
* **How can I more intentionally seek spiritual "bread and water" to avoid the kind of spiritual desolation described in this verse?**

### FAQ
**Why would God cause such severe suffering, including famine and despair, for His people?**

Answer: The suffering described in Ezekiel 4:17 is presented not as arbitrary cruelty, but as a direct and just consequence of Judah's persistent and egregious "iniquity" against God. Throughout the Old Testament, God established a covenant with Israel, promising blessings for obedience and curses, including famine and siege, for disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). The people of Judah had repeatedly turned to idolatry, injustice, and rebellion, despite numerous warnings from prophets like Ezekiel. This severe judgment, therefore, highlights God's holiness, His unwavering justice, and His commitment to His covenant. It served as a painful but necessary discipline, intended to bring His people to repentance and to demonstrate to all nations the consequences of rejecting the one true God.

**Was the famine described in Ezekiel 4:17 a literal event, or was it purely symbolic?**

Answer: The famine described in Ezekiel 4:17 was indeed a literal and horrific event that occurred during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (588-586 BC). Ezekiel's prophetic actions, such as rationing his food and water (as detailed in [Ezekiel 4:9-16](/ezekiel/4-9 "Ezekiel 4:9-16 - Ezekiel's Symbolic Siege Actions")), were symbolic representations of the coming reality. However, the verse itself describes the actual, physical suffering—the "want bread and water," the "astonied" state, and the "consuming away"—that the inhabitants of Jerusalem would endure. Historical accounts and other prophetic books, such as [Lamentations](/lamentations/1 "Lamentations 1 - Jerusalem's Desolation"), confirm the extreme famine and desperation experienced in the besieged city. Thus, the prophecy was both symbolically enacted by the prophet and literally fulfilled in history, serving as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His warnings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 4:17, with its stark portrayal of a people "consuming away for their iniquity," powerfully foreshadows humanity's ultimate spiritual condition apart from Christ. The physical famine and desolation experienced by Jerusalem due to their sin find their deepest resonance in the spiritual "want" and "astonishment" that plague all who remain under the curse of sin. Humanity, by its own "iniquity," is cut off from the true "bread of life" and "living water," leading to a spiritual "consuming away" that culminates in eternal separation from God, which is the wages of sin ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). However, in Christ, this dire prophecy of judgment is transformed into a promise of abundant life. Jesus Himself declared, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). He also offered "living water" that springs up to eternal life, satisfying the deepest spiritual thirst ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ bore the full weight of our "iniquity," taking upon Himself the judgment and "consuming away" that we deserved ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Christ's Suffering for Our Transgressions")). By His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, He became the ultimate provision, satisfying our deepest spiritual hunger and thirst, and offering us true life and peace, rescuing us from the spiritual desolation that our sin would otherwise bring. He is the fulfillment of all that the physical provisions could only hint at, providing eternal sustenance and deliverance from the ultimate "iniquity."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 24:23

And your tires [shall be] upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet: ye shall not mourn nor weep; but ye shall pine away for your iniquities, and mourn one toward another.

Leviticus 26:39

And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies' lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them.

Ezekiel 33:10

¶ Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins [be] upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live?